Today in Wheeling History: September 17 — Laughlin Memorial Chapel hosts its 150th Anniversary Gala at the Scottish Rite Temple, celebrating a legacy of service in East Wheeling (2022).
On September 17, 2022, Laughlin Memorial Chapel commemorated its 150th anniversary with a gala celebration held at the historic Scottish Rite Temple on 14th Street in Wheeling. The event featured a Scottish-themed dinner catered by local chef Rocco Basil and musical entertainment by the Celtic Lads, honoring the chapel’s Presbyterian roots and the Scots-Irish immigrant community it originally served. Attendees dressed in “Sunday best” and gathered to reflect on the chapel’s enduring impact on East Wheeling. The evening also served as a fundraiser to support the chapel’s youth programs and community outreach initiatives.
Founded in 1872 as the Eighteenth Street Chapel by the First Presbyterian Church, the building itself dates back to 1836 when it was constructed by the First German Church. In 1936, following the death of philanthropist George Ashton Laughlin, the chapel was renamed in his honor. Laughlin had supported the chapel financially and left a bequest to ensure its continued mission. His legacy includes pioneering a 0% down home loan program—still active today through WesBanco—that helped hundreds of Wheeling families achieve homeownership.
The gala marked not just a milestone in years, but a celebration of community resilience, youth empowerment, and the spirit of service that defines Laughlin Memorial Chapel.
To learn more: Weelunk article on the 150th anniversary celebration (https://tinyurl.com/ecfxyc9k), Ohio County Public Library history of Laughlin Memorial Chapel by David Javersak (https://tinyurl.com/26br62y8), The Intelligencer coverage of the anniversary events (https://tinyurl.com/33t86hpe), Laughlin Memorial Chapel official website (https://tinyurl.com/3pfza32t), Ohio County Public Library - Wheeling Hall of Fame: George A. Laughlin (https://tinyurl.com/3thamv6m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Weelunk
On September 17, 2022, Laughlin Memorial Chapel commemorated its 150th anniversary with a gala celebration held at the historic Scottish Rite Temple on 14th Street in Wheeling. The event featured a Scottish-themed dinner catered by local chef Rocco Basil and musical entertainment by the Celtic Lads, honoring the chapel’s Presbyterian roots and the Scots-Irish immigrant community it originally served. Attendees dressed in “Sunday best” and gathered to reflect on the chapel’s enduring impact on East Wheeling. The evening also served as a fundraiser to support the chapel’s youth programs and community outreach initiatives.
Founded in 1872 as the Eighteenth Street Chapel by the First Presbyterian Church, the building itself dates back to 1836 when it was constructed by the First German Church. In 1936, following the death of philanthropist George Ashton Laughlin, the chapel was renamed in his honor. Laughlin had supported the chapel financially and left a bequest to ensure its continued mission. His legacy includes pioneering a 0% down home loan program—still active today through WesBanco—that helped hundreds of Wheeling families achieve homeownership.
The gala marked not just a milestone in years, but a celebration of community resilience, youth empowerment, and the spirit of service that defines Laughlin Memorial Chapel.
To learn more: Weelunk article on the 150th anniversary celebration (https://tinyurl.com/ecfxyc9k), Ohio County Public Library history of Laughlin Memorial Chapel by David Javersak (https://tinyurl.com/26br62y8), The Intelligencer coverage of the anniversary events (https://tinyurl.com/33t86hpe), Laughlin Memorial Chapel official website (https://tinyurl.com/3pfza32t), Ohio County Public Library - Wheeling Hall of Fame: George A. Laughlin (https://tinyurl.com/3thamv6m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Weelunk
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